Supposedly, Portland, Oregon has what you seek, and is much cheaper. Of course, there appears to be some resentment at all the Northern California types escaping the expense of SF to move there (and snapping up all the real estate), but, such is life.

Telluride, CO perhaps, the same…ambiance? But it’s a while since I’ve been…used to attend the Jazz Festivals there…mmmmm.
Also, Portland, OR might just fill the bill. Again, been years since I lived there, on a houseboat on the Columbia River, writing about, studying the symbiotic relationship between bald eagles and salmon…and scotch and soda!
CRAP, just saw someone above me say Portland.@dpworkin,...true SFO is all by itself. Keep in mind Mark Twain’s line, however:

“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” True, true.

Had a quick nap, now I, unfortunately, I’m back, to inflict myself upon you further.

If you want to stay in the United States, Seattle, Washington, followed by Portland, Oregon. However, if the Candian border is not a barrier, then Vancouver, British Columbia is the most San Francisco-like place anywhere in North America.

I know a lot about San Francisco. I love the city, not so much the people running it.
The Mayor is one of the more reasonable ones. The city supervisors will make you want to beat your head against a wall. It’s something you need to witness over a long period to understand the depth of it. Not insidious, just “wtf?”